Sports stats

Destroyers offense explodes for 72-49 win

April 14, 2007 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Columbus Destroyers News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Destroyers, presented by Germain, scored the second most points ever, in a 72-49 win over the Austin Wranglers in front of 15,121 fans on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena Saturday night.

Matt Nagy was named Offensive Player of the Game after recording a new team and individual record with nine touchdown passes and 326 yards. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jerald Brown was named Defensive Player of the game as he had two interceptions and 2.5 tackles.

Nagy and wide receiver Damien Groce connected for touchdowns of 21, 15, eight and 10-yards in the second half. In all, Groce caught 12 balls for 116 yards and five touchdowns, a new team single-game record, including all three Destroyers fourth quarter scores.

In the first quarter, the two teams traded scores with Austin (2-5) scoring on its first two possessions and Columbus (3-3) answering with two touchdowns of its own. The first scoring strike was a nine-yard touchdown pass from Nagy to wide receiver Marcus Knight, tying the game at 7-7.

On the second drive of the game, on fourth and three from their own 17 yard-line, Matt Nagy found wide receiver Tony Locke for a 33-yard touchdown to tie the game 14-14. After another Wranglers seven points, Nagy connected with Groce for his third touchdown pass of the game. The Destroyers went to the running game on its fourth drive, with fullback Harold Wells plowing in from five yards.

After a missed field goal by the Wranglers and a 15-yard penalty, the ball moved into Austin territory. A 33-yard field goal by kicker Peter Martinez to end the half gave the Destroyers a 31-28 halftime lead.

Columbus added to its lead on the first drive of the second half, when Nagy hit wide receiver David Saunders for a 13-yard touchdown reception. For Saunders it was the 17th straight game with a touchdown catch. With the score 45-35, Brown intercepted a pass, which led to a Groce touchdown reception and a 17-point lead for the home team.

The Destroyers return to action next week when they host the Philadelphia Soul on Monday, Apr. 23. Kickoff on Huntington Field at Nationwide Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. Russell Athletic ESPN Arena Football on Monday Night will broadcast the game nationwide on ESPN2. The game will also broadcast live on the Destroyers Radio Network and flagship station WINK 107.1 FM.

The Huntington $10 Ticket Blitz continues for every home game during the 2007 Destroyers season. A minimum of 225 lower bowl seats will be available for $10 at the Nationwide Arena Box Office two hours prior to every home game. The regular price on lower bowl seats is $26.

The Destroyers and Giant Eagle are teaming up with the Mid-Ohio FoodBank to TACKLE HUNGER in Central Ohio. Last year, with the help fans, the Destroyers raised enough resources to provide over 27,000 meals to those in need. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to all Destroyers home games to receive a raffle ticket. In addition to the food drive, if fans bring a non-perishable food item from Giant Eagle they will receive a voucher for $3 off a regularly priced ticket.

WE BELIEVE that you can never get enough football. Single game tickets for the 2007 season are available starting at $12 by calling (877) COLS-AFL or by visiting www.ColumbusDestroyers.com. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for group rates by calling (614) 246-HITS.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from April 14, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Columbus Destroyers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central